EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
BREAKING NEWS: Chip Production Facility Anticipated To Bring 750 High-Wage Jobs To Discovery Park District At Purdue
Chip Production Facility Anticipated To Bring 750 High-Wage Jobs To Discovery Park District At Purdue
JULY 20, 2022
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers today joined Purdue University President Mitch Daniels and executives from SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) to announce the company’s plans to build a $1.8 billion state-of-the-art semiconductor R&D and production facility in Indiana, supported by 750 new high-wage jobs in Tippecanoe County.
“Days like today prove that Indiana’s investments in the economy of the future, infrastructure and talent development are cultivating an environment that enables innovators such as SkyWater to choose Indiana,†said Gov. Holcomb. “Our success and our mission to support industries of the future would not be possible without the incredible partnerships with our globally ranked universities, like Purdue University, helping us attract and retain quality, innovative talent.â€
Headquartered in Bloomington, Minn., SkyWater plans to construct a 600,000-square-foot semiconductor research and development and production facility in partnership with Purdue University in West Lafayette. The facility will allow SkyWater to respond to increasing customer demand for accelerated access to domestic development, manufacturing, and advanced packaging for microelectronics, and will house advanced next-generation fabrication facilities.
“SkyWater’s commitment to Indiana, along with its pure-play foundry model, reinforces the IEDC’s strategic focus on building an economy of the future and is a testament to our newly launched AMPD task force which is working to continue Indiana’s momentum in this critically important industry,†said Sec. Chambers. “We are thrilled to welcome Indiana’s first semiconductor fabrication facility into Indiana’s vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem as the state leverages its long-standing advanced manufacturing expertise and workforce to support the future of microelectronics.â€
“This endeavor to bolster our chip fabrication facilities will rely on funding from the CHIPS Act. Federal investment will enable SkyWater to more quickly expand our efforts to address the need for strategic reshoring of semiconductor manufacturing,†said Thomas Sonderman, SkyWater president, and CEO. “Through the support and partnership of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, we have a unique opportunity to increase domestic production, shore up our supply chains, and lay the groundwork for manufacturing technologies that will support growing demand for microelectronics.â€
SkyWater’s plans for a new U.S. facility are in direct response to the increased demand for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The company’s ability to make this large of an investment this quickly will be a result of the federal commitment to support U.S. companies as defined in the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act funding.
“For months state leaders, including Governor Holcomb, Secretary Chambers, President Daniels, and private enterprise have partnered to create a semiconductor corridor here in the Heartland,†said U.S. Senator Todd Young. “Today’s announcement is a direct result of those efforts. In Washington, we are on the verge of passing a major investment in next-generation technologies that is vital for the success of this and future projects, and that will ensure Indiana remains at the center of our high-tech national security economy.â€
“I am thrilled to celebrate Skywater’s investment in Indiana which is fantastic for the people of Indiana and a great credit to Governor Holcomb’s’ leadership,†said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This investment will create hundreds of high-paying, good-quality jobs for the people of Indiana and will help secure our semiconductor supply chain here in the United States. Semiconductors keep our cars on the road, our military jets in the air, and quite literally keep the lights on. Today’s announcement is a win for American economic and national security. It’s up to Congress to continue this momentum and fully fund the CHIPS Act so that we can continue to make announcements just like this one.â€
Founded in 2017, Skywater employs 600 associates in Minnesota and Florida. Details for when hiring could begin in West Lafayette and the types of positions being filled will be made available online at a future date.
SkyWater is the only U.S. investor-owned and based pure-play semiconductor foundry and is a Department of Defense accredited supplier, specializing in custom technology development, volume manufacturing, and advanced packaging services for integrated circuits and microelectronics in its two U.S. locations. Last year, the company announced a partnership with the Purdue Research Foundation to accommodate an initial SkyWater team in the WestGate@Crane Technology Park in Odon, Indiana, adjacent to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane).
“Today’s announcement marks a dramatic advance toward multiple strategic goals of Purdue’s last decade,†said President Daniels. “Enriched academic and career opportunities for our students; new research possibilities for our faculty; a transformed, more attractive environment on and adjacent to our campus; and the latest demonstration that Purdue and Greater Lafayette are now the hot new tech hub of a growing, diversifying Indiana economy. Even for the place that specializes in them, this constitutes a genuine giant leap.â€
Based on the company’s plans to invest in its Indiana operations, the IEDC committed an investment in SkyWater Technology of up to $29 million in the form of conditional tax credits and $1 million in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. The IEDC also committed an investment of $20 million in redevelopment tax credits based on the company’s investment plans; up to $20 million in conditional structured performance payments; up to $500,000 in innovation vouchers; and $1 million in Manufacturing Readiness Grants. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim state benefits once the company makes eligible investments in innovation activities and employees are hired and trained. Purdue University, Greater Lafayette Commerce, the city of West Lafayette, the city of Lafayette, Tippecanoe County and Duke Energy offered additional incentives.
“We are excited to see Greater Lafayette win the site selection process for this investment from SkyWater Technology,†said Scott Walker, president, and CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce. “It demonstrates the power of collaboration between our county, our cities, Purdue University, the Purdue Research Foundation, and the state of Indiana. It also demonstrates our region’s strengths in working with the industries of tomorrow. We are excited to work with them through the next phases of their process and work with our partners at Purdue University and Ivy Tech to develop the needed semiconductor workforce.â€
Civic Theatre Will Be Moving To The Evansville Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum In Near Future
Evansville Civic Theatre (ECT) announced the slate of shows for its upcoming 97th season – and that those shows will be it’s last in the Old Columbia Theatre, located on the corner of Fulton Avenue and Columbia Street.
“The old Columbia Theatre holds nearly a half-century of memories – of great shows, of impassioned performances … of shared experiences and the lifelong friendships built through them,†said Managing Artistic Director Kevin Roach. “Leaving that behind is bittersweet – but times change, and the time has come for Evansville Civic Theatre to move on to a bigger, brighter future … back where we started.â€
Ultimately, ECT plans to return to its first official home: The Evansville Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum. ECT officials are working alongside Vanderburgh County, Visit Evansville, the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, and numerous other organizations toward the goal of renovating and revitalizing the Coliseum. Upon that project’s completion, the Coliseum would become the new home of both ECT offices and productions.
“It is exciting to envision Civic Theatre performing in a restored and modernized Veterans Coliseum,†County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave said.
Recently Volunteer Historian, Joe Gilpatrick, has discovered photographs and programs from performances of the organization’s early days on the Coliseum stage, and the entire Civic team is elated to have this unique opportunity to “return home,†and take The Evansville Civic Theatre full circle to its early beginnings, nearly 100 years ago.
Until the Coliseum’s completion, though, ECT will work alongside the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation and Bosse High School to produce shows on the Bosse High School stage.
At the same time, ECT and the EVSC will launch a partnership to offer theatre education, production, and performance opportunities to students at Bosse and across the EVSC.
“Bosse is excited to forge a partnership with the Evansville Civic Theatre!†said Bosse High School Principal Aaron Huff. “For the past two years, Robert Hunt and Tiffany Ball have worked with Bosse students to create the ‘Bosse Theatre Project.’ The project takes the stories of students, families, and the community, pulls them together and crafts a theatrical production centered on themes that are near and dear to the hearts of students at Bosse. I am excited that the Evansville Civic Theatre will come alongside to support the continued growth and development of the Bosse Theatre Project. This is a win-win for both organizations!â€
Those educational programs will begin during the 2022-2023 academic year – while ECT continues to perform in the Old Columbia Theatre.
ECT officials today also announced the content of that final season in the Old Columbia:
Evansville Civic Theatre’s 97th Season opens in late August with the hit musical TICK TICK BOOM. This autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent, is the story of a composer and the sacrifices that he made to achieve his big break in theatre, and a Broadway blockbuster.
In October, ECT will present FAIRVIEW, a searing fourth wall-demolishing play about the examination of families, drama, and the underlying racism that still exists in our modern culture.
In December, ECT will break from its traditional Christmas shows to present the popular comedic drama STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Louisiana, and set around a group of gossipy southern ladies, this play will make you laugh and cry as the characters learn about the true bonds of friendship when confronted with difficult life events.
For the annual NEXTWAVE production in January, ECT will preview its new, temporary home at Bosse High School, presenting the comedic drama SHE KILLS MONSTERS on the Bosse stage. The play tells the story of a young woman who discovers more about her late sister, following her tragic death, after finding her Dungeons & Dragons notebook, and begins a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge.Â
April brings ECT’s classic literature play of the season, FAHRENHEIT 451, which tells the story of a fireman who works as a civil servant burning books, and who must choose between continuing his nonexistent existence or risking everything for the right to think.
Finally, the season – and ECT’s tenure at the Old Columbia Theatre – concludes in May with BIG FISH. The musical follows Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose larger-than-life stories are called into question by his son, Will, creating a magical musical theatre experience that’s richer, funnier and bigger than life itself.
Season Tickets and show information are available at evvcivic.org. Season Ticket holders will now be able to reserve their seats, while tickets for each individual show will be made available to the public three weeks in advance and will be general admission.
COMMENTARY: An Indiana Constitutional Amendment To Protect The Sanctity of Life In Indiana?
An Indiana Constitutional Amendment To Protect The Sanctity of Life In Indiana?
By Dannie McIntire
JULY 20, 2022
Expect the topic of abortion to be front and center during Indiana’s upcoming special legislative session being convened on July 25.
Indiana conservative lawmakers are expected to pass more restrictive laws against abortion in wake of the Supreme Court’s recent overturn of Roe vs. Wade.Â
The subject of abortion is literally a mind field of different opinions. Regardless of your view, there will be someone with the exact opposite view.
In an earlier article, I wrote that the recent Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe vs. Wade should be celebrated, not on the question of abortion, but that “the people†have the right to determine the issue. I think it bodes well for our democracy when that last step in our judicial system “rule of law†can say, “Oops, the earlier court in 1973 violated the Constitution by asserting a power it did not haveâ€.
Now the “ball is back in the “Indiana Legislative’s courtâ€. My hope is that our representatives during this special session remain open to listening to all points of view, and that they remember they are there to represent all citizens of Indiana, not their personal ideological beliefs on the abortion question.Â
I’m not writing today to express my personal views on abortion. I’m merely hoping both sides of the argument have their voices not only heard but respected.Â
I do however feel if our Legislators decide to restrict the right to abortion in the state of Indiana, they do so within reason.
My overriding concern is if Indiana does make abortion more restrictive, it does so with reasonable laws, and not to the point that women in Indiana are driven back to the draconian days of back alley abortion shops.Â
FOOTNOTE: Â Posted by the City-County Observer without bias or editing.
EVANSVILLE WELCOMES LEININGER INTERNATIONAL AND ANNOUNCES NEW CONVENTION FOR 2023
EVANSVILLE WELCOMES LEININGER INTERNATIONAL AND ANNOUNCES A NEW CONVENTION FOR 2023 AT OLD NATIONAL BANK PLAZA
Evansville, IN – July 20, 2022 – Leininger International will host its 2022 iLive conference at the Old National Events Plaza on July 22 – 24, 2022. Nearly 2,500 sales professionals from around the country will convene in Evansville to participate in training, networking, and team-building sessions.
iLive is expected to generate over $1.2 million dollars in economic impact for the area. Â This year marks the third Leininger International conference in Evansville, which has driven interest among similar groups now considering the city as a future meeting destination.
The Indiana Society of Association Executives (ISAE) announced this week that its 2023 Annual Convention has been awarded to Evansville. ISAE is comprised of hundreds of association professionals from across the state that serves many types of industries, societies, and social organizations.
The ISAE Annual Convention has not met in Evansville since 2015 and will provide an opportunity to showcase the community to hundreds of meeting planners and conference decision makers from across Indiana. Â The event will be held at the Old National Events Plaza and DoubleTree Hotel July 24-26, 2023.
Vincennes University Host Aviation Community Day In Indianapolis
WHAT: The Vincennes University Aviation Technology Center will host the 4th annual Aviation Community Day with Purdue University-Polytechnic Institute Indianapolis. The free, family-friendly event is open to the public.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
• Climb aboard airplanes
• Get a photo in a cockpit
• Pilot a flight simulator
• Tour the school & facility
• Learn about VU’s Purdue 2+2 Program
• Take a ride on the Boilermaker Special
• Meet aviation professionals
• Learn about aviation careers
WHEN: 10 a.m – 2 p.m. (EDT), Saturday, July 23, 2022
WHERE: Vincennes University Aviation Technology Center, 2175 S. Hoffman Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46241
Indiana DOR Nears Completion of Multi-Year Tax System Modernization Final Group of Taxes Added to New Indiana Tax System
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Indianapolis, Indiana–The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) is nearing the completion of its multi-year tax system modernization effort with today’s launch of the fourth and final rollout of Project NextDOR. With the support of Governor Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly, the transformation of DOR’s tax systems and service delivery began in 2017 and has been the agency’s focus for the last five years. The Indiana Tax System (ITS) was officially introduced in September 2019 along with DOR’s new e-services portal, the Indiana Taxpayer Information Management Engine (INTIME). Through a series of carefully planned rollouts, the new tax system and portal replaced the agency’s legacy tax systems that had been in production for more than 25 years. Each annual rollout transitioned a group of designated taxes from the old systems to ITS and added customer functionality on INTIME. For the final rollout (Rollout 4), DOR added new and enhanced electronic filing and payment services for customers who file Fuel, Alcohol, Cigarette, Other Tobacco Products, and other special taxes:
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| “Our entire team is excited to wrap up this critical phase of DOR’s modernization journey with this fourth rollout,†said DOR Commissioner Bob Grennes. “The addition of this final group of taxes to ITS and INTIME further enhances the service benefits for our customers and our DOR team. It also solidifies the successful execution of Project NextDOR which we are proud to say will be completed on time and on budget.â€
Milestones reached through the completion of three of the four Project NextDOR rollouts include:
INTIME is now available 24/7 for business, corporate, and individual customers to manage their Indiana taxes at intime.dor.in.gov. For a complete list of INTIME tax types and functionality, visit dor.in.gov and click on the “Access INTIME†button. DOR offers customers several INTIME user guides with instructions and tips to support the transition to the new e-services portal:
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Vincennes University Cross Country And Track And Field Have Had A Very Busy Summer
VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Cross Country and Track and Field coaches have had a very busy summer hitting the road, looking to sign the next great VU runner for next season.
Assistant Cross Country/Distance Running Coach Tyler Steigenga has helped sign nine middle and distance runners for the 2022-23 season.
“We are bringing in a lot of talent with this year’s recruiting class, especially on the middle distance side,†VU Assistant Track and Field/Distance Coach Tyler Steigenga said. “It will give us a lot more flexibility with different events on the track. This fall in Cross Country we are looking forward to finishing a lot higher at the National meet than we did last year. Our depth is tremendously better and our frontrunners will allow us to be a lot more competitive this fall. I am very excited to see what we can do.â€
The incoming VU running recruit are;
TyDarius Clark
Indianapolis, Ind. / Lawrence Central
“I am most excited about continuing my running career at Vincennes University,†Clark said.
Matthew Gray
Washington, Ind. / Washington HS
Matthew was a Semi-State Qualifier, Second-Team All-Conference and earned All-Area and All-District Honors.
“I am most excited about meeting my new teammates and having new experiences,†Gray said.
Gavin Gillum
Lawrence, Ind. / Lawrence North HS
Finished seventh at Sectionals in the mile and won the 4×800 Relay at Regionals in 2021. Helped his team to a second-place finish at the County meet and Regional as a Junior and Won the Team Regional Championship as a senior.
“I am most excited to continue my running career at the next level with other great runners,†Gillum said.
Elijah McCartney
Crawfordsville, Ind. / North Montgomery HS
Was an Individual Qualifier at Semi-State Junior and Senior Years in Cross Country. Went to State in the 4×800 Relays and was First Team All-Conference Four Years. Elijah has also completed ultra-marathons and many half marathons.
“I am most excited about getting to compete at the collegiate level with many other great athletes,†McCartney said.
Sol O’Blenis
Amboy, Ind. / Oak Hill HS
Four-time State Qualifier in Cross Country and a State Qualifier in the 4×800 Relay and 800 Meters.
“I am most excited to continue running and hopefully take the next step in my career,†O’Blenis said.
Ada Peterman
Clay City, Ill. / Flora HS
Ada was the Top Female Runner at her High School as a Junior and qualified for Sectionals in Cross Country as a Senior. She was also a State Qualifier in Track in the 4×100 Relay event.
“I am most excited about experiencing life away from my hometown, meeting new people and improving as an athlete over the next few years,†Peterman said.
Makenna Pruett
Montgomery, Ind. / Barr-Reeve HS
Makenna is a Three-Time Conference Champion, Two-Time Sectional Champion and Regional Runner-Up. She was a Two-Time State Finalist as an individual, along with two Conference Team Championships and two Sectional Team Championships.
“I am most excited just to see what VU has to offer me. With this being my first year of college, I am definitely eager to start a bunch of new things,†Pruett said. “I am also grateful! I chose a place with such helpful staff and that is close to home. I think VU will be the perfect fit for me.â€
Connor Roberson
Delphi, Ind. / Delphi Community HS
Connor was the Team Captain and Team MVP for Cross Country and Distance Runner Team MVP in Track and Field. Connor was also a Two-Time All-Conference award winner.
“I am most excited to broaden my connections and increase my knowledge on conservation, create new friendships and increase my overall fitness and running ability,†Roberson said.
Griffin Worzella
Indianapolis, Ind. / Martinsville HS
Two-time Semi-State Qualifier, Four-Time Regional Qualifier in Cross Country.
“I am most excited about meeting new people and experiencing a different place,†Worzella said.
The Vincennes University Athletic Department is excited to welcome these nine runners to the 2022 VU recruiting class.
